Benefits of cannabis in treating lower urinary tract symptoms: A scoping review.

Cheng A.; Kim J.; Blankstein U. · Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l'Association des urologues du Canada · 2026

**Background & Methods** This scoping review, conducted per Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, examined the therapeutic utility of cannabis for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. The review searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for studies comparing cannabis-based therapies versus placebo, no treatment, or active comparators in patients with OAB related to neurogenic disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or cystitis. **Key Findings** • Cannabis-based interventions (THC, CBD, and combined formulations) demonstrated consistent, encouraging benefits for managing LUTS, with the strongest evidence in multiple sclerosis (MS) populations, showing improvements in incontinence episodes, urinary frequency, and quality-of-life measures. • Of 998 identified abstracts, 12 studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed; notably, only 3 were randomized controlled trials and 9 of 12 focused exclusively on MS populations, limiting generalizability to other LUTS etiologies. • Current evidence suggests cannabinoids may represent a potential therapeutic alternative to anticholinergics and β3-agonists, which are limited by side effects and poor adherence, though robust clinical application remains premature. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. The review included varied cannabinoid formulations (THC, CBD, and combinations) but did not standardize or detail specific dosing regimens, administration routes, or treatment durations across studies. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Mild adverse effects were common, occurring in 2-18% of patients, with dizziness and dry mouth being the most frequently reported. Some patients discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, though serious safety concerns were not highlighted in the reviewed literature. **Evidence Quality** Evidence quality is low to moderate, substantially limited by methodological constraints. The predominance of observational studies (9 of 12 were non-randomized), small sample sizes, and the concentration of research in MS populations significantly restrict generalizability. The authors conclude that while preliminary findings are encouraging, high-quality randomized controlled trials with patient-centered outcomes are necessary to establish cannabis's definitive role in LUTS management and to determine efficacy across diverse etiologies beyond neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

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